| Haf has lived in several countries and is now living in Melbourne, Australia, from where he travels to other nations in the Pacific Area. It's a place where he finds Australianisms to be fun, the Australians to be fantastic, and the culture to be an internationally mixed experience. |
 Haf |
September 12 2006
-Where were you born?
Iraq (but left at six months of age to grow up in London).
-In which country and city are you living now?
Melbourne, Australia
-Are you living alone or with your family?
Alone!
-How long have you been living in Australia?
6 months
-What is your age?
29
-When did you come up with the idea of living in Australia?
Well, I didn't. I can thank my employer for that one. I had never set foot in Australia and it was a great opportunity to live in a new land and explore all of Asia-Pacific as part of my work.
-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
No. A 4-year subclass 457 business VISA was easily acquired.
-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
No. You can easily sign up with private healthcare. I am a US and British citizen and the British Citizenship got me reciprocal healthcare coverage in Australia.
-How do you make your living in Australia? Do you have any type of income generated?
My employer moved me here to work for the Asia-Pacific region so they paid for the VISA and relocation.
-Do you speak the local language and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
Well, English yes, but learning the local Australianisms is fun!
-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
I miss family and friends, but have made plenty of friends here. I can't say I really miss the US after living there 15 years and seeing all the states.
-Do you have other plans for the future?
I'm traveling weekly all over Asia and over to New Zealand so I get to see a lot of this part of the world. It certainly makes the job more interesting.
-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
Homes are pricey if you want to live in the city. I'm renting a furnished apartment. Made moving here much easier.
-What is the cost of living in Australia?
Cost of living is quite high. You need to make a decent wage to live here. About the only thing that is cheap is wine frankly. There's very good public transportation though in Melbourne, almost rendering a car not to be necessity.
-What do you think about the Australians?
The locals are fantastic! They are fun to be around and rather knowledgeable on world events. The best thing is the laid back attitude they have about life. They truly are a fun group to be around.
-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Australia?
Positive: relaxed lifestyle. Plenty of international culture. Lots of fantastic landscape nearby (the ocean, the skiing, incredible wine country). Great people always having a bbq!
Negative: a bit on the pricey side. High taxes.
-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Australia?
You really need to come down here and have someone show you around or there's lots you could miss! Melbourne is one of the few cities in the world where they encourage you walk down a dark, unlit alley way at night because you never know what kind of funky hidden lounge or restaurant may be lurking at the end of it.
-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Australia?
My own blog: The Frequent Flyer - Down Under!
Local news: The Australian
Guide to Melbourne: that's me!bourne city
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